State Rep. Dave Agema says he will not challenge U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga in next year’s GOP primary.

Agema, who hoped to tap into tea party and conservative backing for a run, said he made his decision for family reasons.

“I’ve got nine grandkids,” said the 62-year-old former airline pilot who will be term-limited as a state representative after 2012.

“I’ve been gone 15 to 18 days a month most of my married life.”

Based on his exploration, Agema said he doesn’t believe anyone will mount a credible primary challenge against Huizenga in the 2nd Congressional District, whose base shifted to eastern Ottawa County and four cities in southern Kent as a result of redistricting.

Land also won’t run
In the 3rd District, U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, R-Cascade Township, will not face a challenge in 2012 from Terri Lynn Land, former secretary of state and Kent County clerk.

Land, once viewed as an heir apparent for the seat, said she is busy enough as a senior adviser to former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra’s campaign for the U.S. Senate, her seat on the county Aeronautics Board and her role helping out with her son’s new Grandville-based property management firm.

“And, once in a while, I get to have dinner with my husband,” she said.

Commissioner on silver screen
Grand Rapids 3rd Ward Commissioner James White has long had a passion for acting.

Last week, the 71-year-old thespian could be seen on BET Network as he portrayed a homeless man in the Mario VanPeebles film, “All Things Fall Apart.”

“My wife convinced them to put me in that role since they wouldn’t have to spend any money on makeup,” White said with a chuckle.

The movie, which was filmed in Grand Rapids in 2010, also has been picked up by Image Entertainment and will be released in early 2012.

Can bank make change?
During a report to Grand Rapids city commissioners last week, Alex Thomas, a city diversity and inclusion officer, was asked if there was any way to speed payments to subcontractors to assist them with their cash flow.

Thomas shook his head in frustration and told city leaders, “It’s difficult to get a banker to change how they do business.”

First Ward Commissioner Dave Shaffer, a branch manager for Macatawa Bank, said he was not offended. But, he added, “some that I know are open-minded.”